Horseback Riding Lessons Lead to Safe Riders

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at 9:51 pm

Horseback Riding Lessons – Does Your Horse Pay Attention

When learning how to ride a horse it is important the animal remains attentive, be it your own horse of one you are simply borrowing from a riding school. If you fail to keep the horses attention during horseback riding lessons, you will find little benefit from one lesson to the next.

The horses provided by horseback riding schools are known for nodding off in the middle of lessons, because they grow weary of the routine nature of the sessions and the repetitive nature of effective teaching. It can be particularly difficult for newcomers to alter the horse’s activity at the same time they are trying to remain focused on giving aids properly and directing the horse accurately.

But part of learning how to ride a horse needs to include varying the routine if you don’t want your horse to ‘fall asleep’ while you ride. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to keep your horse awake and listening.

You need to know what your ability is and choose exercises within it, then use them to keep the lessons interesting for you and the horse.

Those involved in horseback riding lessons may wish to inquire with the teacher to see if they might put the techniques to work prior to starting the session. Perhaps you might suggest that the entire class give them a try.

1. Walking Techniques

Walk your horse on a light contact once around the arena on both reins. Then walk a 20 meter circle – starting with his easier side – taking up a stronger contact. Ask for longer strides, then shorter strides, then longer ones again.

Slow the walk down before circling in the other direction. Before bending your horse the other way, walk him in a straight line for one horse’s length. Ask him to alternate between longer and shorter strides once more.

When doing this you should notice that the horse is more alert, because it is being forced to pay attention to keep up with your movements.

Next, ride the horse in figure eight patterns, maintaining a constant cadence and focusing on easy changes between the left and right sides. Be sure to walk a full horse length prior to switching course, and get the horse ready for the next bend.

2. Trotting Techniques

The above exercises can also be performed in trot, and are an excellent way to prevent your horse from getting ‘stuck’ in one direction and leaning on one rein.

Introduce changes between trotting and walking, and then return to trotting once more. Try hard to make easy changes, in order to get the horse to listen compliantly to our aids and starts to accede to your contact.

If you are a more competent rider you can trot serpentines in 3 loops across the area. Try to get the horse to walk a few strides as you transition to a trot while riding from one long side to another. As you go on you will notice the horse is waiting for your aids, this is the objective, remember to use your legs and keep a forward movement. Be wary of the horse becoming hesitant between transitions as he begins to guess what is coming. To avoid this change up between trot and walk in different places.

3. Canter Exercises

Request lengthening as you reach the long side, and gain control of the horse prior to reaching the short side. Consistent switching from canter to trot and then a resumption of canter, incorporating cantering changing to walking, will help your horse remain at attention, as lengthening and shortening the horse’s stride on the circular 20 meter paths.

The preceding techniques will assist in maintaining your horse’s attention, as it changes his accustomed routines and acclimates his body to the desired movements, facilitating his cooperation. Helping the horse enjoy the things asked of him will result in more enjoyable horseback riding lessons for you.

by Jim Milton
About the Author:

On his horseback lessons site, Milton provides simple and comprehensive lessons including video instructions. Learn how to ride a horse the safe and the confident way.